2018 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receiver

It’s an interesting year for the wide receiver position as the 2018 NFL Draft doesn’t feature one truly elite prospect.

There are more than a few teams that need playmakers at the wide receiver position. However, the 2018 NFL Draft doesn’t offer any elite prospects who look like sure-fire No. 1 targets. The bulk of this year’s talent can be found in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

This year’s group is more about depth and prospects with a little more uncertainty. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no talent to be found. There will be a several receivers drafted this year who will make an impact as a rookie.

Below are my final wide receiver rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft:

1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama

Big Board Rank: No.18

Ridley is a smooth route runner who is capable of making big plays down the field. He lacks elite athleticism, but has enough savvy to overcome this issue.

2. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

Big Board Rank: No. 24

Kirk is shifty athlete who excels at creating separation. He also more than capable of stretching the defense and providing big plays.

3. James Washington, Oklahoma State

Big Board Rank: No. 25

Washington is a physical receiver who will fight through contact. He may lack ideal size, but his aggressive play helps him win in contested situations.

4. D.J. Moore, Maryland

Big Board Rank: No. 26

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Moore is still developing as a player, but showed plenty of promise at Maryland. He has the juice to be a difference maker on the outside.

5. D.J. Chark, LSU

Big Board Rank: No. 32

Chark has speed for days and is one of the top deep threats in this year’s draft class. He’s also an underrated route runner and has the potential to be the top receiver to come out of this group.

6. Deon Cain, Clemson

Big Board Rank: No. 43

Cain is another burner who is quickly developing as a route runner. He has flown under the radar a bit and could surprise some people as a rookie.

7. Michael Gallup, Colorado State

Big Board Rank: No. 44

Gallup is a strong all-around prospect who can work over the middle, win in contested situations and outpace defensive backs. This is one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft.

8. Courtland Sutton, SMU

Big Board Rank: No. 45

Sutton has the measurables and speed that evaluators look for in a receiver prospects. However, his hands are inconsistent and he work as a route runner.

9. Anthony Miller, Memphis

Big Board Rank: No. 50

Miller is an explosive athlete who has a knack for finding space in the defensive backfield. His quickness also helps him pick up yards after the catch.

10. Jordan Lasley, UCLA

Big Board Rank: No. 67

Lasley has some off-field baggage, but when he’s focused he can be a big-play threat.

11. Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame

Big Board Rank: No. 79

St. Brown had an underwhelming career at Notre Dame, but he still has excellent measurables and thus big-time potential.

12. Dante Pettis, Washington

Big Board Rank: No. 81

Pettis is a speedy receiver who catches everything thrown in his direction.

13. Jaleel Scott, New Mexico State

Big Board Rank: No. 98

14. Tre’Quan Smith, UCF